Coastal birding habitat

Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge - Shired Island

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge - Shired Island is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 222 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Long-billed Curlew

Numenius americanus

4/12/2026The Road to Nowhere1 observed

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

4/9/2026The Road to Nowhere1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

4/8/2026Manatee Springs SP1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Clapper Rail

14/13/2026

Willet

24/13/2026

Ring-billed Gull

14/13/2026

Common Tern

14/13/2026

Tricolored Heron

14/13/2026

Great Egret

14/13/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/13/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/13/2026

Barn Swallow

14/13/2026

Northern Mockingbird

14/13/2026

Swamp Sparrow

14/13/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge - Shired Island for birding?
The best months to visit Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge - Shired Island for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge - Shired Island?
Notable species at Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge - Shired Island include Sanderling, Brown Pelican, Osprey, Royal Tern, Willet. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge - Shired Island?
Birding at Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge - Shired Island is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge - Shired Island?
Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge - Shired Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.